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      1. APAC/
      2. Innovation Centres/
      3. Opening our Doors to Collaboration with the Launch of JLABS @ Shanghai
      Innovation Centres

      Opening our Doors to Collaboration with the Launch of JLABS @ Shanghai



      June 28, 2019
      1 min read
      Ai Hua Ong

      This week, I had the great privilege of joining the opening of the first Asia Pacific JLABS, launched in the bustling city of Shanghai.

      Now in thirteen locations around the world, JLABS is on course to become the world’s leading life science incubator, empowering and equipping innovators to deliver lifesaving and life-enhancing health solutions to people around the globe.

      I am proud to report that JLABS @ Shanghai is our largest facility globally, providing collaborative space for around 50 biotechnology and medical device start-ups. These researchers will not only work alongside innovators in Shanghai but will have the opportunity to collaborate with other JLABS around the world.

      Until now, JLABS have operated in North America and Europe. This timely launch signifies our commitment to deepen collaborations in China in anticipation of a new wave of pharmaceutical innovation led by China’s entrepreneurial spirit and amazing researchers.

      We firmly believe that JLABS @ Shanghai will act as a bridge to fast-track Chinese innovation, not just for patients in China but for those in Asia Pacific and around the globe. We also believe that these labs will attract start-ups from outside China who aspire to innovate at scale in China for Asia Pacific.

      We have no doubt that our Shanghai JLABS journey will deliver huge rewards for researchers and innovators, for patients and our partners, and of course for China. It is a truly exciting time for this region.

      I am certain that the founder of Janssen, the late-Dr Paul Janssen would be particularly proud of this newest JLABS. When he led us into China 35 years ago, he was deeply committed to partnerships, to science and to medical innovation in this great nation.

      He recognised that “fighting sickness with science” is a shared responsibility. No organisation has all the answers. That is why he encouraged collaboration, forged partnerships and provided support to those whose ideas may lead to the next penicillin moment.

      The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson have a shared mission “to open our doors to collaboration, and our arms to the needs of each patient, so that what works in the lab also works in their lives”.

      For those of us inspired by this commitment, we should also remember the common refrain of Dr Paul Janssen: “The patients are waiting”.

      Innovation Centres
      Ai Hua Ong
      Ai Hua Ong
      Ai Hua joined Johnson & Johnson more than 25 years ago with a desire to make a difference to the lives of patients. This passion continues today in her role as Company Group Chairman for Janssen Asia Pacific, where she oversees operations that deliver pharmaceutical innovation in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Taiwan.

      Based in her native Singapore, Ai Hua is known for her deep commitment to customers and patients, her strategic insights and global mindset. She is a strong advocate for women in leadership and provides guidance and support through local universities and the Young Women’s Leadership Connection Mentorship Program.

      In her previous role as President of One J&J Southeast Asia, Ai Hua was instrumental in the successful implementation of J&J’s first-ever one-company enterprise business model encompassing pharmaceuticals, consumer products and medical devices. She nurtured a business with strong growth and enhanced efficiency across 10 countries in ASEAN.

      Ai Hua holds a BSc in Microbiology and Biochemistry and an MBA from the National University of Singapore. She began her healthcare career in 1991 as a product specialist with Johnson & Johnson Medical Singapore. Since then, she has held leadership roles in pharmaceuticals and medical devices working in strategic marketing, sales management, and licensing and acquisition while residing in Singapore, China and the USA.

      Ai Hua is a committed volunteer for charitable causes and acts as chair of J&J’s Asia Pacific Contributions Committee. She is also a council member of the Singapore Dover Park Hospice, serves on the Advisory Board of the Singapore Management University Lee Kong Chian School of Business, and was recently appointed to the Board of the DesignSingapore Council.